Having mostly finished distributing the One UI 8.5 update, Samsung has focused development resources on One UI 9, a new version of the interface based on Android 17. Internal testing is expanding rapidly and now includes not only flagship devices, but also mid-range and low-end models.
The latest phones spotted on Samsung’s test servers are the Galaxy A16 5G and the Galaxy A35. With this, the company confirms that it is preparing a new version of the system for significantly more affordable devices, and the current list of internal tests includes at least 22 models.
The first Android 17 firmware for the European version of the Galaxy A16 5G phone is labeled A166BXXU8EZF1. Shortly after that, a test version of the Galaxy A35 appeared on the servers, marked as A356BXXUAEZF1.
One UI 9 testing is expanding to the affordable Galaxy A series
The presence of these packages on internal servers does not mean that a public update is imminent. However, it clearly shows that Samsung is already working on customizing and optimizing the One UI 9 system for both devices.
The open beta program is currently limited to the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Internal testing, however, already includes a significantly larger number of phones and tablets.
In the Galaxy S family, the Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE, S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra models are being tested. Among the folding devices on the list are the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7.
The Galaxy A series is currently represented by the Galaxy A57, A56, A35, A34, A17 and A16. Samsung is also internally testing One UI 9 on the Galaxy Tab S11, Tab S11 Ultra, Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra tablets.
The stable version of One UI 9 will reportedly be launched alongside the new generation of flip phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8. Their presentation is expected at the Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for July 22, 2026.
Wider distribution of the One UI 9 update to existing supported devices, including the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A35, could begin during September 2026.
The current list is certainly not exhaustive. Samsung is expected to include additional models in internal testing in the coming period, and it is possible to expand the beta program beyond the three devices of the Galaxy S26 series, reports Samsung Magazine.